Magnetic fields (MFs) can affect biological systems by increasing the release of free radicals that are able to alter cell
defense systems and breakdown tissue homeostasis. In the present study, the effects of extremely low frequency (ELF)
electromagnetic fields (EMF) were investigated on free radical levels, natural antioxidant systems and respiratory burst
system activities in heart and liver tissues of guinea pigs exposed to 50 Hz MFs of 1, 2 and 3 mT for 4 h/day and 8 h/day for
5 days by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), glutathione (GSH) levels and myeloperoxidase (MPO)
activity. A total of sixty-two male guinea pigs, 10-12 weeks old were studied in seven groups as control and exposure
groups: Group I (control), II (1 mT, 4 h/day), III (1 mT, 8 h/day), IV (2 mT, 4 h/day), V (2 mT, 8 h/day), VI (3 mT, 4
h/day), and VII (3 mT, 8 h/day). Controls were kept under the same conditions without any exposure to MF. MDA levels
increased in liver in groups II and IV, but decreased in group VII for both liver and heart tissues. NOx levels declined in
heart in groups II and III and in liver in groups III, V, and VI, but increased in liver in group VII. GSH levels increased in
heart in groups II, IV, V, and in liver in groups V and VI and VI, but decreased in groups II and IV in liver. MPO activity
decreased in liver in groups III, IV, VI and VII with respect to controls and in heart tissues in groups II, III and IV; however,
there was a significant increase MPO activity in heart in group VII. From the results, it can be concluded that the intensity
and exposure duration of MFs are among the effective conditions on the formation of free radicals and behaviour of
antioxidant enzymes.

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